Urban transformation and construction method for creating a public access tropical style swimming lagoon with beaches within vacant or abandoned sites

ABSTRACT

An urban transformation and construction method is disclosed that creates a tropical style swimming lagoon at vacant and/or abandoned sites. The transformation includes demolishing at least part of the vacant or abandoned site, excavating material from within the site; forming a basin for a large water body having a surface area of at least 3,000 m2, and constructing water containment walls on a first section of the basin to form a waterfront perimeter. The shape of the waterfront perimeter is mainly curved, the basin has a maximum width of 300 meters, and the bottom is covered with a non-permeable material. A sloped access area is constructed in a second section of the basin to form a beach. A barrier is constructed to control access into the area including the beach. At least one recreational facility is constructed including restaurants, bars, kiosks, stores, and/or cafes about the waterfront perimeter.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 17/360,328 filed Jun. 28, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/725,998, filed Dec. 23, 2019, now U.S.Pat. No. 11,098,495, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/538,273, filed Aug. 12, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No.10,724,260, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Ser. No.62/785,086, filed Dec. 26, 2018 and which applications are incorporatedherein by reference. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority ismade to each of the above disclosed applications.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an urban transformation andconstruction method for creating a public access tropical-style swimminglagoon with turquoise crystal clear waters within vacant or abandonedsites, for swimming and the practice of water sports, wherein a portionof the vacant site is demolished in order to generate a swimming lagoon.Preferably, there is at least an area of the swimming lagoon wherepublic access is controlled, and a beach area is located within thecontrolled access area.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Around the world, as cities and urban spaces keep growing, a series ofvacant and/or abandoned sites have been left in between all this urbandevelopment, which may be vacant or abandoned due to limited uses.

As a reference, it has been estimated that in the U.S., on average,fifteen percent of a city's land is deemed vacant, including varyingtypes of land, ranging from undisturbed open space to abandoned,contaminated brownfields (Pagano et al, 2000). This is especially truefor cities on the south of the U.S., with more than 19% of its landdeemed vacant, which is mostly due to cities that have experienced highlevels of population and land area growth. While cities expand, thereare a lot of lots and spaces that are left undeveloped, and end upbecoming vacant land. On average in the U.S., cities had 12,367 acres ofusable vacant land, with a median amount of usable vacant land of 4,499acres.

Generally, it has been considered that vacant lots are associated withdepressed real estate value, crime, trash, abandonment, poor landscape,and general economic and/or social failure, where vacant lots tend to beperceived very negatively. Vacant lots can devastate a neighborhood,undermine the neighbors' quality of life, diminish the value of nearbyproperties, and reduce local tax revenue. In this aspect, it has beenstudied that vacant and abandoned properties have increased crime ratesand declining property values, in addition to the fact that theirmaintenance or demolition (for abandoned structures) has a high costthat has to be paid by the cities.

Some vacant land sites are sites that have been projected for theconstruction of public parks, categorized for open space recreation orgreen areas, but have not been developed and result in abandoned anddesert sites. In addition to strictly vacant land, green spaces, such aspublic parks that are underutilized or that are not maintained properlycan also be considered as relatively vacant land as they have the samenegative effects on the community.

It has been studied that the reuse of vacant land and abandonedstructures can represent an opportunity for the economic growth andrecovery of a diverse range of urban areas. This is true for all cities,independently of population and city size.

As used herein, vacant and/or abandoned sites refer to sites and/or lotsthat not only are vacant or have abandoned structures but it alsoincludes parks or sites that have limited uses or sites that haveconstructive limitations. For example, this can represent green areas ofprivate projects with low use and land that does not allow constructinghigh rises or tall buildings, very low usage density lots, or land thatrequires of very long permitting and approval processes to transforminto real estate or commercial projects, among others.

For example, thousands of abandoned and/or vacant sites have beenconverted to community gardens and parks. The relatively trendingphenomenon called “greening” consists of transforming vacant lots intogreen spaces that are environmentally friendly, with final uses ascommunity gardens and tree farms for example. The transformation ofvacant land could provide increased green space for urban gardening andrecreation, as well as other uses for urban relief.

The requirement for these types of green areas has grown over the years,while population in urban locations keeps growing and therefore needs ofopen-air locations that can provide a relaxing setting as well asallowing to perform recreational activities such as running, exercising,among others. In general, these green spaces also have positive effectsover its surroundings, such as for example increasing the value ofsurrounding real estate and the development of new markets (for examplecommercial development nearby parks), as well as improving health ofusers and having environmental benefits, which is the complete oppositeof the negative effects created by vacant or abandoned lots.

Cities that have increased urban development and with high populationconcentration could greatly benefit of the transformation of such vacantor abandoned lots, especially since they have few opportunities for newgreen space development through other means. However, the transformationof vacant or abandoned sites into community spaces has not taken offconsiderably, not taking advantage of these underutilized spaces toimprove urban quality of life and that also have positive environmentaleffects. Many of the transformation alternatives, including gardens andsimilar, have not succeeded considerably, and a large number of vacantand/or abandoned sites still exists around the world.

The stress in large cities and urban lifestyle has a large impact onpeople, who therefore look for different settings and lifestyle torelax. In this same point, it is important to mention that there hasbeen an explosive increase in worldwide tourism over the years that hassubstantially increased its carbon footprint (See FIG. 01 that shows theincrease of tourists over the years). This is mainly because people haveto travel long distances and use their car, or have to fly, or use othertransport means to be able to reach waterfront settings and beach areas,sometimes having to travel hundreds of miles to be a part of a beautifulwaterfront beach setting, in result having a very large carbon footprintdue to all of this movement. This is especially relevant today, wheresociety has become very aware of carbon footprint, where travel is oneof the big contributors of carbon emissions.

With urban locations being very hectic and stressful, the urbanpopulation is having increasing demands for open recreational spaceswhere they can relax, practice sports, and enjoy of beautiful sceneryand spaces. Congregation spaces are scarce, and the old tradition ofcongregating in shopping malls or retail facilities has shifted into asearch for open and natural settings.

Therefore, there are many current vacant and/or abandoned spaces thatare poorly used or have limited uses, that are relatively well connectedurban locations, and that do not have aesthetical features sought out bypeople such as recreational uses and beautiful settings.

SUMMARY

Therefore, according to one embodiment there is provided an urbantransformation construction method for creating a tropical-styleswimming lagoon with a sloped access at vacant and/or abandoned sites,the method comprising: demolishing at least part of the vacant orabandoned site, wherein the demolition process includes excavating atleast a 15 cm to 6 meter layer; excavating material having a volume ofat least 4,000 m3 from an area within the site; forming a basin for alarge water body having a surface area of at least 3,000 m2 and aminimum depth of at least 1.4 meters at its deepest point, whereinearthworks for the basin are created within the surrounding siteperimeter, and wherein the basin includes a basin perimeter and abottom; constructing water containment walls on at least one section ofthe basin perimeter to form a waterfront perimeter, wherein the shape ofthe waterfront perimeter is mainly curved and the basin has a maximumwidth of 300 meters; covering the bottom of the basin with anon-permeable material not including thick concrete like conventionalswimming pools; constructing a sloped access area on at least onesection of the basin perimeter to form a beach access into the largewater body; constructing one or more barriers around the basin perimeterto cordon off an area to establish a controlled access area, wherein thecontrolled access area includes a beach access perimeter, and thebarriers include at least one access point to selectively allow usersinto the controlled access area, whereby the users allowed entry intothe controlled access area are able to use the beach access; andconstructing at least one additional recreational facility comprisingfood and beverage and commercial facilities such as restaurants, bars,kiosks, stores, cafes among others in the vicinity of the waterfrontperimeter.

These and other variations of the invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art upon a more detailed description of theinvention. The advantages and features which characterize the inventionare pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto andforming a part hereof. For a better understanding of the invention,however, reference should be had to the drawings which form a parthereof and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there isillustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals represent like partsthroughout the several views:

FIG. 1 shows the number of international tourist arrivals given by theWorld Tourism Organization in 2017, referring to the number of inboundjourneys by international tourists to a country outside the destinationthey live in for a duration of less than a year.

FIG. 2 shows an aerial view of an embodiment of the invention afterapplying the method from the present invention that allows to transforman urban location such as a vacant or abandoned site (1) into an urbanbeach where a tropical-style swimming lagoon (2) can be seen, having atleast one beach area (3).

FIGS. 3 and 4 show side views of embodiments of the containment walls 6for the basin of the swimming lagoon 2.

First referring to FIG. 2 , backfill material 7 is included to providestructural stability to the containment wall 6. A non-permeable material9 contains the water in the large water body (e.g., the swimming lagoon2), and is located on top of the bottom soil 8.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment in which the depth of the lagoon 2 nearthe wall is relatively shallow.

Next FIG. 4 shows a side view of another embodiment of the containmentwalls 6 for the basin of the swimming lagoon 2, showing backfillmaterial 7 to provide structural stability to the containment wall, andwherein a non-permeable material 9 contains the water within the largewater body, and is located on top of the bottom soil 8.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment in which the depth of the lagoon 2 nearthe wall is relatively deep.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of an embodiment of a sloped access 5 to thebasin of the swimming lagoon 2, wherein a support slab 10 is providedunderneath a portion of the sloped access 5, and the non-permeablematerial 9 for containing the water in the large water body.

FIG. 6 shows a preferred construction method 11 in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention. The first step 11 a is to demolishat least part of the vacant and/or abandoned site. The next step 11 b isto excavate materials having a volume of at least 4,000 m3. Then at step11 c a basin is formed for large water body having a surface area of atleast 3,000 m2, this may include in part earthworks from the excavatedmaterial and/or from additional materials brought to the site. At step11 d, water containment walls are constructed on at least one section ofthe basin. At step 11 e, a sloped access area in at least one section ofthe basin is optionally created in the event a swimming area isincluded. At 11 f, barriers are constructed around the basin perimeterto establish a controlled access area for a beach or other area in whichuser controlled access is desired. At step 11 g, at least one additionalrecreational facility is constructed.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic embodiment of a centerpiece lagoon constructedin accordance with the invention, showing a reduced number of bottominlets (21), a high-frequency reduced skimmer system (41) a reducedfiltration system (23), and micro-leakage water flows (32) flowingthrough micro-leakage points (31) of the micro-renewal system (30). Thelow-frequency skimmer system LFSS (42) is not shown.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic embodiment of a centerpiece lagoon constructedin accordance with the invention comprising a plurality of micro-leakagepoints (31) within its inner surface, which allow to remove water fromthe lagoon since each micro-leakage point (31) has an associatedmicro-leakage point water flow (32) that is being removed from lagoonand into the excavated soil or filling material (3). The low-frequencyskimmer system (LFSS) is not shown.

FIG. 9 shows an enlarged section of an embodiment of the micro-renewalsystem (30) constructed in accordance with the invention, wherein amicro-leakage material (33) is a grid material (34) and is used in theinner surface of the structure, which allows to create micro-leakagepoints (31) to achieve a micro-leakage flow (32) that is removed fromthe structure into the excavated soil or filling material (3).

FIG. 10 shows a schematic aerial partial top view of a centerpiecelagoon as well as the low-frequency skimmer system LFSS (42) and onedischarge water pipe (6).

FIG. 11 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of thelow-frequency skimmer system LFSS (42) constructed in accordance withthe invention and an opening that is located above the water level.

FIG. 12 shows a schematic enlarged side view of an embodiment of thelow-frequency skimmer system LFSS (42), and referential heights h1, h2,and h3 that denote a distance from the water level to the lower weiropening point, the height of the weir opening, and the thickness of theweir upper structure, respectively.

FIG. 13 shows a schematic front view of an embodiment of the LFSS (42),having four weir structures (43) being located with openings above thewater level of centerpiece lagoon.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic lateral view of an embodiment of the LFSS(42), having three weir structures (43).

FIG. 15 shows a schematic front view of an embodiment of the LFSS (42),having weir structures (43) being located with openings above the waterlevel of centerpiece lagoon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The method from the present invention, as seen in FIG. 2 , allows to, inan innovative way, transform vacant or abandoned sites that are locatedin urban areas and generally have good connectivity, in order to providebeautiful beach-like settings that can help solving the need for morerecreational urban open air spaces and tourism needs with a lower carbonfootprint and therefore become a completely new and radical trend thatcan change the lifestyle of people around the world. The presentinvention helps solving the need for providing recreational settingswith activities that can change the lifestyle of urban population aroundthe world while at the same time helps solving the problem associatedwith vacant or abandoned lots and its negative effects over thecommunity.

The present invention relates generally to an urban transformation andconstruction method for creating a controlled access tropical-styleswimming lagoon with crystal clear turquoise waters and with beaches atvacant or abandoned sites, for swimming and the practice of watersports, wherein a portion of the vacant or abandoned site is demolishedin order to generate a swimming lagoon according to designs,construction parameters and configurations. Preferably, there is atleast an area of the swimming lagoon where public access is controlled,and a beach area is located within the controlled access area.

The present invention discloses a construction method for creating atropical style swimming lagoon in vacant or abandoned sites to repurposesuch spaces by creating a recreational venue with at least onetropical-style swimming lagoon and additional amenities.

The construction method from the present invention is low cost comparedto the construction of other facilities in the same spaces such asshopping malls, amusement parks, water parks, or similar installations.

As used herein, tropical-style refers to clear water lagoons with roundshapes, that are suitable for direct contact recreational purposes, andthat usually have turquoise colored crystal clear waters and that do nothave visible macro algae presence or a green water tonality likeartificial lagoons and lakes located in parks and golf courses, amongothers.

In more detail, the process comprises excavating at least a portion ofthe vacant or abandoned site to excavate a layer of between 15 cm to 6meters in order to provide the necessary excavated volume for theswimming lagoon construction.

Optionally, if there are permanent or rigid structures within the site,especially in the case of abandoned lots, demolition can be performed ofsuch structures to allow excavation necessary to build the swimminglagoon. To provide clarity, for the purposes of this application theterm demolishing encompasses not only knocking down or tearing downcurrent structures or installations, but also removing debris ornon-fixed materials from such zone and digging or excavating a portionof the land as part of the construction method.

The demolition process comprises excavation with machinery up to a depthof 20 centimeters over the final excavation level, where the final 20 cmmay be excavated manually.

Once the design excavation level is achieved, the bottom soil must becompacted to achieve a 95% Modified Proctor Density. A 95% ModifiedProctor Density means that the soil at the bottom is compacted to 95% ofits maximum dry density. This aims to reduce post-constructionsettlements rates of such soil. As a reference, the Modified Proctortest uses a 4-inch-diameter mold which holds 1/30 cubic feet of soil,and uses a 10 lb. hammer falling through 18 inches, with 25 blows oneach of five lifts, for a compaction effort of about 56,250 ft-lb/ft3.This can also be explained such that the bottom of the excavations areto be compacted to a 95% of the Maximum Dry Compacted Density, based onthe Modified Proctor test (ASTM D1557-02) when the soil type has morethan a 12% material passing under a N^(o) 200 mesh (opening of 0.075mm). When the soil type has less than a 12% material passing under aN^(o) 200 mesh (opening of 0.075 mm), the soil must be compacted toachieve no less than 80% of its Relative Density.

The process also includes excavating a volume of at least 4,000 m3,preferably at least 7,000 m3 from an area within the vacant or abandonedsite. This excavation material preferably will serve as the earthworksnecessary to provide the basin of the swimming lagoon, wherein suchearthworks are created within the property perimeter, and wherein thebasin includes a basin perimeter and a bottom. It will be appreciated bythose of skill in the art that the excavated material may prove to beunsuitable for the earthworks. For example, the material may include amixture of rocks, cement, tar or other detritus. In such an event,suitable fill and other materials may be brought to the site for theearthworks.

The basin for the lagoon is preferably designed and constructed so thatits surface area is at least 3,000 m2, preferably at least 5,000 m2, andmore preferably over 10,000 m2 and its deepest point has a minimum depthof 1.4 meters.

It's important to highlight that for the tropical-style swimming lagoonof the present invention, since it has a surface larger than 3,000 m2,conventional swimming pool construction technologies are seldomeconomically and technically feasible, as for example swimming poolconstruction requires to have a large and thick concrete structure thatcomprises a series of inlets and outlets within the walls and bottom ofthe structure in order to be able to create water movement andcirculation that allows to filter the complete water volume at leastonce per day. This is mainly to have a homogeneous water body so thatwhen withdrawing and filtering the water flow means that the whole watervolume is being filtered and there are no dead areas that have no watercirculation and would therefore not be filtered efficiently.

For example, regulations for swimming pools around the world require theuse of bottom and/or wall nozzles, wherein regulations preferablyrequire the use of bottom inlets to be able to generate proper mixingand circulation of water before it is withdrawn from the pool to send tothe filtration system. For example, Florida's swimming pool constructionregulations require that inlets be installed so that spacing betweenfloor inlets does not exceed 20 ft. (6 m) and the distance between abottom inlet and a wall does not exceed 10 ft. (3 m). This means that a25 m×50 m Olympic pool for example would require more than 35 bottominlets, and a 3,000 m2 (60 m×60 m) swimming pool would require more than70 bottom inlets, in addition to wall inlets that would further allowmixing the water volume so that when withdrawing water from the maindrains, skimmers, or other withdrawal points and sending such water tothe filtration system, it effectively allows to filter the completewater volume of the pool from 1 to 6 times per day (generally 4 timesper day based on regulations). The present invention preferably requiresthat the swimming lagoon has at least 50% less inlets than thoserequired for the filtration system of a conventional swimming poolaccording to swimming pool standards.

Additionally, as used herein, a conventionally designed and operatedswimming pool refers to a swimming pool designed and operated as perFlorida's Public Swimming Pool Regulations, which are the regulationspromulgated for public swimming pools in the state of Florida, UnitedStates of America, with effective date of Jul. 20, 2016, and that arefound in Chapter 64E-9 of the Florida Administrative Code.

Containment walls are preferably constructed on at least one section ofthe basin perimeter, as to form a waterfront perimeter that is arrangedand configured to contain the water within the basin. Such containmentwalls require a backfill material in order to provide structuralintegrity to such walls.

In addition, a sloped area is preferably constructed in at least onesection of the basin perimeter in order to create a beach accessperimeter. The sloped area is constructed such that the slope of thebeach access perimeter is between 5% and 30%. The sloped area mayrequire construction or placement of a support slab in order to providestructural stability on such location. As an example, a support slab canbe built out of reinforced concrete, shotcrete, plastics, or othersupport materials. For example, the sloped area may have high foottraffic of users accessing the swimming lagoon.

The shape of the waterfront perimeter is preferably curved to create amore natural aspect of the swimming lagoon. Additionally, the basin hasa maximum width of 300 meters at its widest point. The width of thelagoon is defined as the measurement or extent of the lagoon from sideto side; the lesser of the two dimensions of the lagoon measurements.The length of the lagoon is defined as the largest dimensionalmeasurement of the lagoon.

The maximum width of the lagoon is limited in up to 300 meters, as thereis little visual impact of the whole lagoon to be gained at eye levelwith larger distances.

The bottom of the basin is covered with a non-permeable material, inorder to act as a water containment structure. The non-permeable bottommaterial that covers the bottom of the basin comprises plastic liners,shotcrete, or flexible materials that do not require the use of a thickconcrete layer like conventional swimming pools. The use of largesurfaces of thick concrete is problematic, as in addition of having highcosts, it can generate structural tensions that cause fractures, cracks,settlements in the concrete and may impact the structural properties ofthe basin.

In a preferred embodiment, the non-permeable material comprises aplastic liner of at least 1 mm of thickness, among other solutions. Theplastic liner can have different colors and tonalities, but preferablyit has a white, blue or light color which provides an intense turquoisetonality of the water body.

Therefore, the basin, along with its containment walls and/or slopedareas creates a swimming lagoon in the previously excavated volume thatforms the basin.

Embodiments herein are directed to a swimming lagoon that is arrangedand configured to optimize visitor experience. Specifically, the lagoonis arranged and configured in a way such that the relationship betweenall elements and purposes of the different areas of the lagoon enableguests and visitors to enjoy the experience as well as interact with thedifferent areas that may be designated for different purposes. A beacharea included in the swimming lagoon is preferred. However, there may beinstances when a sloped beach access with a swimming area is impracticalor is otherwise not desired for the specific site.

Further, the swimming lagoon is also preferably constructed in a mannerso that it can be used not only for swimming purposes, but also for thepractice of several water sports, such as kayaking, stand-up-paddling,boating, water skiing, among others.

Although the swimming lagoon is man-made, it preferably includes shapesthat tend to imitate natural geometries, and comprises a slightlyelongated shape to provide visitors with at least one vantage point toexperience dramatic views of the lagoon and its surroundings.Preferably, the swimming lagoon is surrounded by vegetation such asplants and trees.

Additionally, the swimming lagoon comprises different elements and areasfor providing an optimized visitor experience, preferably including atleast one controlled access area. This is achieved by constructing oneor more barriers around the basin perimeter of the swimming lagoon, inorder to cordon off an area of the swimming lagoon to establish acontrolled access area with a restricted access swimming lagoon locatedwithin. In that case, the controlled access area includes at least onebeach access perimeter within the basin perimeter, thereby providing anew recreational amenity and venue for visitors. The barriers compriseat least one access point to selectively allow users into the controlledaccess area. The remaining area about the basin perimeter can optionallybe an open access area, meaning that is a non-ticketed area, that isfreely accessed by users. However, the controlled access area preferablyrequires a ticket, voucher or other payment of an entry fee foraccessing such area which can be included within other fees or paymentsfor example access can be included in seasonal tickets, or by beingmember of an association or group, being included as part of lodgingfacilities, among others.

Controlled access areas may be created about the swimming lagoon forother purposes as well. However, in the case there are non-ticketedareas, it is important to include separate access points for bothcontrolled access areas and non-ticketed access areas of the lagoon.This enables visitors to clearly participate in either one or both areasdepending on their purpose for visiting the site and lagoon, includingnatural articulations and man-made focal points along the edge toencourage walkability and foster visitors with a sense of discovery. Theswimming lagoon can be illuminated through a lighting system, in orderto allow nighttime uses. The lighting system comprises exterior lightingsystems and/or underwater systems.

As previously mentioned, it is preferred that the lagoon include atleast one controlled access area for visitors for at least one beacharea, wherein the beach area comprises a sandy beach and slopedtransition into the swimming lagoon. The controlled access area may bedesigned such that the total beach area to lagoon area ratio is at least1:2. Further, the beach area is preferably placed and designedconsidering general summer sun orientation, optimizing visitorexperience In another embodiment of the invention, the controlled accessarea surrounds the entire lagoon surface, and may include additionalamenities within the controlled access area, such as recreationalfacilities including cafes, bars, restaurants, and others.

In an embodiment of the invention, the installations surrounding thetropical-style lagoon is artificially set with a beach theme, includingthe use of blue and white colors with the inspiration of the beach andbeach kiosks and lighthouses.

The swimming lagoon can also be surrounded by vegetation such as plantsand trees.

The present invention also includes constructing at least one additionalrecreational facility comprising food and beverage and commercialfacilities that can provide a recreational setting surrounding thetropical-style lagoon. Recreational facilities examples compriserestaurants, bars, kiosks, stores, cafes, restaurants, beach centers,promenades, hotels, entertainment facilities, virtual and immersiveexperiences, and similar facilities and amenities.

Also, embodiments constructed in accordance with the present invention,the lagoon comprises a low-cost reduced centralized filtration systemwhich has at least one of a lower number of bottom inlets or a lowerfiltration rate compared a conventional swimming pool, so that aFiltration Efficiency Index of less than 80% of the Swimming PoolFiltration Index is achieved.

As used herein, the low-cost reduced centralized filtration systemrefers to a system that uses less inlets, outlets, skimmers, and/orfiltration equipment than a conventionally designed and operatedswimming pool, and therefore is not intended to achieve the samerecirculation pattern and/or filtration rate than a conventionallydesigned centralized swimming pool filtration system. Generally, thelow-cost reduced centralized filtration system uses a fewer total numberof bottom inlets to return water to the water volume within thestructure, also generally requiring a smaller filtration capacity thatallows filtering a smaller water volume and providing less homogeneousfiltration compared to a conventional swimming pool centralizedfiltration system. To provide clarity, the low-cost reduced centralizedfiltration system does not aim at filtering the water from the mobilesuction device described herein, but aims at filtering the water volumecontained within the lagoon.

Specifically, the low-cost reduced centralized filtration system LCRCFScomprises at least one of a lower number of bottom inlets, or a lowerfiltration rate compared to a conventionally designed and operatedswimming pool, as long as such LCRCFS achieves a Filtration EfficiencyIndex (FEI) of less than 80% of the Swimming Pool Filtration Index(SPFI) as based in Florida swimming pool regulations as defined below:

$\begin{matrix}{{{Filtration}{Efficiency}{Index}\left( {FEI} \right)} = {100 \times \frac{\# BI \times {TRR}}{Ws}}} & \left( {{Equation}1} \right)\end{matrix}$ $\begin{matrix}{{{Swimming}{Pool}{Filtration}{Index}\left( {SPFI} \right)} = {100 \times \frac{\# BI_{FL} \times {TRR}_{FL}}{Ws}}} & \left( {{Equation}2} \right)\end{matrix}$ $\begin{matrix}{{FEI} \leq {0,8 \times SPFI}} & \left( {{Equation}3} \right)\end{matrix}$

Where:

-   -   #BI is the total number of bottom inlets found in the lagoon    -   #BI_(FL) is the total number of bottom inlets of a        conventionally designed swimming pool according to Florida        Swimming Pool Regulations for the same dimensions of the lagoon    -   TRR is the theoretical filtration rate which is calculated as        the theoretical numeric calculation for the number of times the        total volume of water is recirculated and filtered through the        low-cost reduced centralized filtration system of the lagoon per        day.    -   TRR_(FL) is the theoretical filtration rate from Florida        Swimming Pool Regulations.    -   Ws is the water surface of the lagoon in square feet.

Therefore, the low-cost reduced centralized filtration system has aFiltration Efficiency Index of less than 0.8 or 80% of the Swimming PoolFiltration Index, which is related to the use of at least one of a lowernumber of total bottom inlets or a lower filtration rate compared with aconventionally designed and operated swimming pool.

The low-cost reduced centralized filtration system may be able to filtera lower volume compared to a conventionally designed and operatedswimming pool, of for example at least 20% less volume within a 24-hourperiod, or at least about 30% less volume, or at least about 40% lessvolume, about 50% less volume, about 60% less volume, about 70% lessvolume, about 80% less volume, about 90% less volume, or less comparedwith the filtration rate required to homogeneously filter the completevolume water volume four times per day, so that a Filtration EfficiencyIndex of less than 80% of the Swimming Pool Filtration Index isachieved.

Also, the total number of bottom inlets from the large lagoon and watertreatment system of present disclosure is defined as being less than thetotal number of bottom inlets required in regulations in Florida, sothat a Filtration Efficiency Index of less than 80% of the Swimming PoolFiltration Index is achieved. For example, in an embodiment constructedin accordance with the invention, the total number of bottom inlets maybe at least 20% less than the number of bottom inlets required inregulations in Florida, or preferably half the number of bottom inletsrequired in regulations in Florida, or more preferably at least 80% lessthan the number of bottom inlets required in regulations in Florida. Forexample, the total number of bottom inlets from the lagoon may be atleast 20% less than the number of bottom inlets required in regulationsin Florida, or at least 30% less, or at least 40% less, 50% less, 60%less, 70% less, 80% less, or 90% less than the number of bottom inletsrequired in regulations in Florida Pool Regulations.

Also, in embodiments constructed in accordance with the presentinvention, the low-cost treatment system comprises a high-frequencyreduced skimmer system HFSS that allows the removal of water from thesurface of the volume contained within the lagoon (including the upperlayer of the water volume in contact with the skimmer), wherein suchHFSS has a reduced configuration compared to a conventional swimmingpool skimmer system. Generally, a conventional swimming pool skimmersystem generally has to be designed and configured to withdraw thecomplete recirculation/filtration water flow from the pool and be ableto send such flow to a filtration system. The skimmer system has to bedesigned and calculated to handle the total flow of water that needs tobe filtered from a conventional swimming pool, which results fromfiltering the total volume of water at least four times per day.

On the other hand, the high-frequency reduced skimmer system (HFSS) fromthe low cost treatment system of present disclosure uses a reduceddesign, wherein the skimmers are positioned and configured to withdraw alower water volume compared to a traditional swimming pool filtrationsystem. For example, the HFSS may be configured to withdraw at least 20%less volume within a 24-hr period, compared with the withdrawal raterequired to homogeneously filter the complete volume water volume fourtimes per day as in Conventional Swimming Pool Centralized FiltrationSystems.

The high-frequency reduced skimmer system (HFSS) may be positioned andconfigured to withdraw said at least 20% less volume within a 24 hr.period, such as at least 30% less, at least 40% less, at least 50% less,at least 60% less, at least 70% less, at least 80% less, or at least 90%less volume within a 24 hr. period, compared with the withdrawal raterequired to homogeneously filter the complete water volume four timesper day as in Conventional Swimming Pool Centralized Filtration Systems.The HFSS allows to periodically remove surface water from the lagoon tosend to the low-cost reduced centralized filtration system, wherein theHFSS is configured to operate for at least 20% of the time that thelagoon is open for direct contact recreational purposes. The HFFS sendsthe removed water to the low-cost reduced centralized filtration system,in order to treat and/or filter such water before returning it back intothe lagoon.

Embodiments constructed in accordance with the present invention alsocomprise a specially designed low-frequency skimmer system LFSS thatremoves water from the surface and/or upper part of the lagoon duringplanned or specific situations and with less frequency than the HFSS.The LFSS preferably operates during rain events where an increasedvolume of water enters the lagoon, and therefore the low-frequencyskimmer system is used to provide increased renewal of the upper sectionthrough this addition of rainwater into the system, which helps toimprove the effect of the low cost high-frequency reduced skimmersystem. The low-frequency skimmer system is able to remove water fromthe lagoon during specific situations such as stormwater events, orduring determined increased renewal events with the eventual additionalwater that has been added.

The use of the low-frequency skimmer system allows providing anadditional source of water renewal from the water surface or the upperlayer of the water surface, which is generally not affected or is lessaffected by the micro-renewal of water. In that sense, the LFSS alsohelps to improve the use of the low cost high-frequency reduced skimmersystem, by providing an increased renewal of water through the removalof water located in the upper part of the lagoon during certain eventsor periods of time. The low frequency skimmer system is generally usedduring stormwater or rainfall events that cause the water level of thewater body to rise into predetermined levels where water must bedischarged. Also, the low-frequency skimmer system may also be usedduring high-renewal events where larger make-up water flows enter thelagoon in order to achieve a higher renewal rate, wherein thelow-frequency skimmers operate by removing water from the lagoon, whichallows to create an “open” cycle where make-up water is introduced intothe lagoon, and the water that is found in the surface is removed fromthe lagoon when required.

It is important to highlight that the low frequency skimmer system isnot just simple overflow from the lagoon into its surroundings, whichcould happen naturally during a stormwater event if water kept fallinginto the lagoon such that the volume of water entering the lagoon'sbasin surpasses the freeboard volume and no other means are used toremove it from the lagoon. Embodiments constructed in accordance withthe invention require that there is a removal of water from the upperlayer of the lagoon with specially designed structures that allowefficient removal of water, and therefore a simple overflow into thesurroundings of the lagoon may not achieve such purpose.

As used herein, the freeboard volume is the volume of water that thelagoon could contain in addition to its design water volume. Thefreeboard volume may change depending on the water level and itsvariation during time. The present disclosure requires a minimumfreeboard volume, such that the minimum freeboard distance between thewater level and the top most containment lagoon of the water volume isat least 5 cm.

The use of the low-frequency skimmer system improves the effect of thehigh frequency reduced skimmer system, in order to remove water volumefrom the upper section of the lagoon, which comprises the upper surfaceof the water, and allows removing surface water as required.

The low-frequency skimmer system is not hydraulically connected to thelow-cost reduced centralized filtration system, but instead the waterextracted through the low-frequency skimmer system is removed from thelagoon and then treated in a separate system, disposed of, directed tostormwater ponds or stormwater discharge systems, among others. Suchwater removed through the low-frequency skimmer system is preferablydisposed of, in contrast to the low-cost reduced centralized filtrationsystem that returns the filtered water to the structure. However, suchwater can also be used for irrigation purposes, infiltration purposes,or other purposes, including use of such water for filtration andtreatment prior to being used for recreational purposes, among others.

The low-frequency skimmer system may have a perimeter weirconfiguration, an overflow structure, a perimeter opening structurelocated in at least one portion of the perimeter of the lagoon, or acombination thereof.

Generally, the LFSS configuration is designed based on precipitationdata and IDF curves (intensity, duration, frequency curves) for thespecific location where the lagoon is located, and characteristics ofthe soil below the structure of the water body. The characteristics ofthe soil beneath the lagoon are determined based on a geotechnical studythat determines the capacity of water infiltration and seepage into thesoil. Further, it must be taken into account the runoff coefficient, thecalculation of water directly falling over the water structure's surface(direct receiving of water). Other variables and methods of calculationmay also be used for determining the parameters and configurations ofthe LFSS. With those variables, at least one storage curve (SC) isdetermined, which indicates the amount of water that the lagoon is ableto hold and the rates of holding that water and removing such water fromthe lagoon. Based on experience and in the evaluation of the removalrates from the structure, the LFSS is generally designed to be able toremove a water flow the lagoon. In an embodiment constructed inaccordance with the invention, the LFSS includes a weir structure on alength (L) that is wide enough to allow the removal of water at a ratethat allows avoiding overfilling the lagoon with water. This means thatthe LFSS length should be wide enough in order to allow that the waterstorage curve at the lagoon never surpasses the freeboard height or thewall height. The weir length is generally determined by using theleveled method. As an example, a weir structure containing “n” openings,each one with a length of “b” and height “h2” may be used. Theseopenings are located at a height “h1” from the average design watersurface. Once the water passes through the h1 distance, the LFSS willstart its operation and removes water from the lagoon. In a preferredembodiment constructed in accordance with the invention, the LFSScomprises at least one discharge weir structure, which aims at beingable to remove water from the lagoon. In a further embodimentconstructed in accordance with the invention, the weir structurecomprises at least two openings for safety and discharge purposes. Insuch case, the weir structure is generally located within a perimeterwall of the lagoon so that the openings can be easily seen and cleaned,if needed.

The low-frequency skimmer system is designed to achieve a discharge ofwater during determined events, in order to improve the efficiency ofthe high-frequency reduced skimmer system, wherein a Skimmer OperationRate is defined as the ratio of operative hours of the HFSS to theoperative hours of the LFSS within a 30-day period of time.

$\begin{matrix}{{{Skimmer}{Operation}{Rate}\left( {SOR} \right)} = {\frac{{Hours}{of}{Operation}{of}HFSS}{{Hours}{of}{Operation}{of}LFSS} \geq {10}}} & \left( {{Equation}4} \right)\end{matrix}$

The Skimmer Operation Rate (SOR) then is a number that results from thedivision of the number of operative hours of the HFSS to the number ofoperating hours of the LFSS within a 30-day period, and may becalculated from the average numbers of hours that each skimmer systemoperates. The SOR is defined as being at least 30, wherein this meansthat the HFSS operates at least 10 times more time than the LFSS. Forexample, if within a 30-day period of time, the LFSS operated 7 hours,then the HFSS is required to operate at least 70 hours during the 30-dayperiod of time. In the event that the number of hours of operation ofthe LFSS is 0 during a 30-day period of time, then it is required thatthe hours of operation of the HFSS is at least 180.

The LFSS design and configuration to achieve a discharge of water duringdetermined events, including rainwater and increased renewal events, hasbeen utilized and tested in several large structures in the UnitedStates and around the world in projects using technologies from thepresent patent's inventor. For these projects, the determination of thedischarge water flow from the LFSS has depended on the geographiclocation of the lagoon, the climate variability, local regulations, andIDF curves, among others. For such structures, an Intensity value (fromthe IDF curves) is used for a Frequency of 100 years (generally suchfrequency is regulated) and with a Duration of between 1 and 6 hours(which is the approximate time of duration of a storm event). With suchparameters and references, the design and configuration of a LFSS hasbeen utilized in the following projects (among other projects):

TABLE 1 LFSS Referential Discharge Water Flows Design Discharge Size ofwater Flow for Storm Water Body Frequency of Duration Country (Hectares)100 years (m3/h) (hours) Argentina 3.33 261 6 Dominican Republic 2.10105 6 Mexico 0.93 104 6 Paraguay 2.62 246 6 Colombia 3.21 386 6 UnitedStates (Florida) 3.00 170 6 United States (Florida) 2.43 189 6

Embodiments constructed in accordance with the present invention alsomay include a water micro-renewal system, which allows providing agenerally permanent and more homogeneous water renewal of the watervolume contained within the lagoon resulting from the micro-leakage ofwater passing through the inner bottom surface of the lagoon.

The water micro-renewal system comprises multiple micro-leakage pointsthat allow generating a more homogeneous and permanent renewal of waterfrom the lagoon. This more homogeneous renewal of water allows for ahighly efficient renewal of water without creating massive dead zonesthat could result from the use of only a few make-up water pipes orinlets that could generate such dead areas with minimal circulation ormovement. The micro-renewal system improves the low-cost reducedcentralized filtration system, by having a plurality of micro-leakagepoints that aim to provide a more homogeneous renewal of water.

A micro-leakage point (31) refers to an area within the inner bottomsurface of the lagoon where there is a hydraulic connection between thewater volume contained in the lagoon and the soil or filling materialunder it. Preferably, micro-leakage points are situated throughout theinner bottom surface of the lagoon that is in contact with excavatedsoil. In another embodiment, the micro-leakage points are situatedthroughout the inner surface of the lagoon that is in contact withfilling material.

Micro-leakage points may be created by the use of systems or materialswith pores, holes, and/or spaces that aim at letting water pass through(herein referred to as micro-leakage materials or systems), and may bedisposed as a plurality of points dispersed throughout the inner bottomsurface of the lagoon so that the water contained within the lagoon isin contact with the soil or filling material beneath it. Themicro-leakage points can be created with the use of metallic or plasticvalves, discharges or outtake structures, pipes with perforations,porous materials like rocks, stones, or shotcrete, punctures, spacesproduced on the joints or welding of plastic materials, spaces that arein direct contact with uncovered soil, netted or grated materials likegeotextiles or fabrics, among others.

Micro-leakage materials or systems may be looped, attached, knitted,heat-sealed, induction heat-sealed, or twisted, tied, or other joiningmethods, as long as they create a plurality of micro-leakage points.

The micro-leakage points generate a water flow through such points,which is removed from the lagoon. In an embodiment constructed inaccordance with the invention, a micro-leakage water flow is 0.05 to 0.5liters per second per hectare of inner bottom surface of the lagoon.Embodiments in accordance with the present invention include a lagoonhaving a minimum micro-leakage flow, which is defined as at least 10% ofthe total lagoon's water volume being lost through micro-leakageannually.

It is important that the soil or filling material under the lagoonshould have a permeability coefficient sufficient enough so that thereis no substantial accumulation of water under the lagoon that can affectthe integrity of its structure, given that such soil or filling materialmay continuously receive water from the micro-leakage points. The soilunder the lagoon can have different types of permeability, which can beseparated in:

-   -   Low permeability: Soils with a hydraulic conductivity of less        than 1×10⁻⁷ cm/s    -   Medium permeability: Soils with a hydraulic conductivity of        between 1×10⁻³ to 1×10⁻⁷ cm/s    -   High permeability: Soils with a hydraulic conductivity of more        than 1×10⁻³ cm/s

The soil under the lagoon and the type of solution used below themicro-leakage points are configured to allow the passage of waterwithout generating substantial accumulation of water directly under themicro-leakage points, which may cause structural and/or aesthetic impactto the lagoon.

The micro-renewal system improves the low-cost reduced centralizedfiltration system, since it creates a renewal of water at a smallerscale, but evenly distributed throughout the inner bottom surface of thelagoon, facilitating thus a more homogeneous renewal. This micro-renewalsystem that improves the reduced low-cost centralized filtration systemcreates a low-cost efficient filtration system that allows purificationof water at much lower capital and operational costs than traditionalswimming pools systems.

The construction of an amphitheater in the surroundings of the lagoonand nearby the beach area(s) is also preferred. This creates anopportunity to hold events such as concerts and festivals, among others.Other activities include music on the beach, dining on the beach, andother events on the beach such as weddings and sports events, among manyothers. The surroundings of the beach may include cafes, bars,restaurants, beach centers, and similar facilities and amenities.

In the case of having a non-ticketed area within the venue, the at leastone non-ticketed access area comprises optimized waterfront perimetersurrounding the swimming lagoon that has an unobstructed view of thelagoon and is not directly in front of any beach areas or esplanadesthat could affect the aesthetics of the landscape. The non-ticketedaccess area comprises cafes, bars, restaurants, beach centers,promenades, hotels, entertainment facilities, virtual and immersiveexperiences, and similar facilities and amenities.

A screen may also be provided in the vicinity of the swimming lagoon tobroadcast content and house events and shows, and can be located in thesame sector as the amphitheaters, to create a new event venue having theswimming lagoon as its backdrop. The screen may also be used forstreaming live or recorded events or general media, and the stage zonecan be used to broadcast or hold e-sport competitions, concerts, plays,shows, performances, among others.

Other components and methods that embody the principles of thisinvention can be configured within the spirit and intent of thisinvention. The arrangement described herein is provided as only oneexample of an embodiment that incorporates and practices the principlesof this invention. Other modifications and alterations are well withinthe knowledge of those skilled in the art and are to be included withinthe broad scope of the appended claims.

1 Vacant or Abandoned Site 2 Tropical Style Swimming Lagoon 3 Beach Area4 Method from the present invention 5 Sloped Access 6 Containment Wall 7Backfill 8 Bottom Soil 9 Non permeable material 10 Support slab 11Method

What is claimed is:
 1. An urban transformation construction method forcreating a tropical-style swimming lagoon with a sloped access at vacantand/or abandoned sites, the method comprising: a) Demolishing at leastpart of the vacant or abandoned site, wherein the demolition processincludes excavating a layer of at least 15 cm and up to six meters; b)excavating material having a volume of at least 4,000 m3 from an areawithin the site; c) forming a basin for a large water body having asurface area of at least 3,000 m² and a minimum depth of at least 1.4meters at its deepest point, wherein earthworks for the basin arecreated within the surrounding site perimeter, and wherein the basinincludes a basin perimeter and a bottom; d) constructing watercontainment walls on at least one section of the basin perimeter to forma waterfront perimeter, wherein the shape of the waterfront perimeter ismainly curved and the basin has a maximum width of 300 meters; e)covering at least part of the bottom of the basin with a non-permeablematerial including a plastic liner, shotcrete, or flexible materials. f)constructing a sloped access area on at least one section of the basinperimeter to form a beach access into the large water body; g) providinga low-cost reduced centralized filtration system that filters a volumeof water of lagoon, wherein the low-cost reduced centralized filtrationsystem comprises at least one of a lower total number of bottom inletsand/or a lower filtration rate to achieve a Filtration Efficiency Index(FEI) of less than 80% of the Swimming Pool Filtration Index (SPFI),wherein the Filtration Efficiency Index (FEI) and the Swimming PoolFiltration Index (SPFI) are defined as:${{Filtration}{Efficiency}{Index}\left( {FEI} \right)} = {100 \times \frac{\# BI \times {TRR}}{Ws}}$${{Swimming}{Pool}{Filtration}{Index}\left( {SPFI} \right)} = {100 \times \frac{\# BI_{FL} \times {TRR}_{FL}}{Ws}}$FEI ≤ 0, 8 × SPFI Where: #BI is the total number of bottom inlets foundin the lagoon #BI_(FL) is the total number of bottom inlets of aconventionally designed swimming pool according to Florida Swimming PoolRegulations for the same dimensions of the lagoon TRR is the theoreticalfiltration rate which is calculated as the theoretical numericcalculation for the number of times the total volume of water isrecirculated and filtered through the low-cost reduced centralizedfiltration system of the lagoon per day. TRR_(FL) is the theoreticalfiltration rate from Florida Swimming Pool Regulations. Ws is the watersurface of the lagoon in square feet. h) Providing a dual-frequencyskimmer system, comprising: a high-frequency reduced skimmer system(HFSS) that periodically removes surface water from the lagoon, and theremoved water being directed into a low-cost reduced centralizedfiltration system, wherein the high-frequency reduced skimmer systemHFSS is operated for at least 20% of the time that the lagoon is openfor direct contact recreational purposes; a low-frequency skimmer system(LFSS) that removes surface water from the lagoon during a high-renewalevent or rain events, wherein the LFSS comprises at least one dischargeweir structure that is located within a section of the perimeter of thelagoon; wherein the dual-frequency skimmer system has a SkimmerOperation Rate (SOR) of at least 10, wherein the SOR denotes a ratio ofoperative hours of the HFSS (41) to the operative hours of the LFSS (42)within a 30-day period of time, as seen below:${{Skimmer}{Operation}{Rate}\left( {SOR} \right)} = {\frac{{Hours}{of}{Operation}{of}HFSS}{{Hours}{of}{Operation}{of}LFSS} \geq {10}}$i) providing a micro-renewal system that operates permanently, whichallows a micro-leakage of the water through a plurality of micro-leakagepoints located in an inner bottom surface of the lagoon, wherein: atotal micro-leakage volume is defined as the total volume of waterremoved from the lagoon through the micro-leakage points and is lowerthan the volume of water filtered by the reduced low-cost centralizedfiltration system, the plurality of micro-leakage points are distributedthroughout the inner bottom surface of the lagoon that is in contactwith a soil or a filling material under the lagoon, and a minimummicro-leakage water flow is established, so that at least 10% of thelagoon's water volume is lost through micro-leakage annually j)constructing one or more barriers around the basin perimeter to cordonoff an area to establish a controlled access area, wherein thecontrolled access area includes a beach access perimeter, and thebarriers include at least one access point to selectively allow usersinto the controlled access area, whereby the users allowed entry intothe controlled access area are able to use the beach access. k)Constructing at least one additional recreational facility comprisingfood and beverage and commercial facilities selected from the groupcomprising restaurants, bars, kiosks, stores, and cafes, wherein the atleast one additional recreational facility is located in the vicinity ofthe waterfront perimeter.
 2. The construction method of claim 1, whereinthe area about the basin perimeter not located within the controlledaccess area forms a non-ticketed access area which may be freelyaccessed by users.
 3. The construction method of claim 1, wherein thedemolition process comprises excavation with machinery up to a depth of20 centimeters over the design excavation level, where the final 20 cmare excavated manually.
 4. The construction method of claim 1, whereinstep b) comprises excavating material having a volume of at least 7,000m3.
 5. The construction method of claim 1, wherein step c) comprisesforming a basin for a large water body having a surface area of at least5,000 m2.
 6. The construction method of claim 1, wherein When the soiltype has more than a 12% material passing under a N^(o) 200 mesh(opening of 0.075 mm), the bottom soil must be compacted to achieve a95% Modified Proctor Density, also referred to as the Maximum DryCompacted Density When the soil type has less than a 12% materialpassing under a N^(o) 200 mesh (opening of 0.075 mm), the soil must becompacted to achieve no less than 80% of its Relative Density.
 7. Theconstruction method of claim 1, further comprising placing sand in thesurroundings of the beach area in order to create a sandy beach area. 8.The construction method of claim 1, the beach access having a slopedtransition into the basin of between 5% and 30%
 9. The constructionmethod of claim 1, whereby the lagoon is used for swimming, for thepractice of water sports, and for housing shows and events.
 10. Theconstruction method of claim 1, wherein the sloped access area isconstructed with a support slab to provide structural stability to sucharea.
 11. The construction method of claim 1, wherein the non-permeablematerial that covers at least a part of the bottom of the basin is aplastic liner having at least 1 mm of thickness.
 12. The constructionmethod of claim 11, wherein the plastic liner has a white, blue or lightcolor.
 13. The construction method of claim 1, wherein the basinperimeter of the swimming lagoon includes shapes that tend to imitatenatural geometries.
 14. The construction method of claim 1, whereinseparate access points are included, for both controlled access areasand non-ticketed access areas, so that visitors can participate ineither one or both areas depending on their purpose for visiting therace or activity circuit facility and the swimming lagoon.
 15. Theconstruction method of claim 1, wherein the controlled access area isdesigned so that the total beach area to swimming lagoon area ratio isat least 1:2.
 16. The construction method of claim 1, wherein thesurroundings of the swimming lagoon include the use of amphitheaters tohold events selected from the group comprising concerts and festivals.17. The construction method of claim 1, wherein the surroundings of theswimming lagoon include cafes, bars, restaurants, beach centers,promenades, hotels, entertainment facilities and, virtual and immersiveexperiences.
 18. The construction method of claim 1, wherein a non-fixedscreen is provided in the vicinity of the swimming lagoon to broadcastcontent and house events and shows.
 19. The construction method of claim1, wherein the swimming lagoon is illuminated through a lighting system.20. The construction method of claim 1, wherein the swimming lagoon issurrounded by vegetation comprising plants and trees.
 21. Theconstruction method of claim 1, wherein the installations surroundingthe tropical-style lagoon are artificially set with a beach theme,including the use of blue and white colors.
 22. The construction methodof claim 1, wherein the tropical style swimming lagoon has at least 50%less inlets than those required for the filtration system of aconventional swimming pool according to swimming pool standards.